Despite playing shorthanded, Horizon’s effort against Niwot in last Thursday’s girl’s soccer game, was a fine effort. 

Horizon was defeated by home-standing Niwot, 2-1, on a clear, but windy afternoon. With the loss, the Hawks, coached by Michele Smith, dropped to 2-2 on the season. In the meantime, the Cougars, coached by Rob Johnson, improved to 4-1 in the non-league encounter.

Four starters for Horizon were missing the game as they were committed to their Club team, which will be playing in a national tournament in Las Vegas this week.

The game was a fine defensive effort against Niwot. Nearly three-fourths of the game was played in Horizon’s half of the field.

Niwot’s Maria Fayeulle scored both of the Cougars goals in the first half. The first tally came in the 10th minute, the second in the 33rd minute.

Hannah Gray and Caroline Miller, respectively, were credited with the assists on the goals.

Niwot’s goalie, Izzy Aguayo, only had to come up with a pair of saves in the victory. But, she couldn’t stop the shot by Horizon’s Bailey Lucero in the games 46th minute. Lucero was assisted by Olivia Valdez.  

“We were missing some good players and we just couldn’t come up with the goals when we needed them,” Lucero said. “We should have done a lot better and this is a disappointment. We’ll just have to come out stronger next time. Our defense came together, but our offense was certainly lacking.”

Horizon’s offense effort was much better in the second half, but still, the Hawks could not connect.  

“Being without four of our starters was a setback in this case,” Smith said. “We moved two of our junior varsity players up and all the girls out there were trying hard. I can’t complain about the way the girls tried.

“I actually think that we won the second half with our goal and holding them out,” Smith said. “But the first half was the drawback for us in this game. Still, I’m pleased with the way the girls played against a good team like Niwot.”

Niwot also saw four players depart for the Las Vegas tournament, as well. But at least they were able to play in the first half against Horizon.  

“Our girls left at the beginning of the second half,” Johnson said. “So that played into our not being as strong up front in the second half. But we had the two goals and from there, it was hold Horizon off. I think if we would have been a full strength in the second half, it might have been a different story on our part. And, had Horizon had their other players, it could have been a different story on their part, too.”